Yarn Care 101: How to Wash & Treat Wool, Cotton, Linen and Blends

17/08/2025

If you love your handmade pieces, you want them to last. That's where proper yarn care comes in. Whether you're using wool, cotton, linen or blended yarns – every fiber needs something different. This guide gives you clear care instructions for all major yarn types, including washing, drying and blocking – so your favorite pieces stay soft, beautiful and wearable for years.

🧼 Why proper care matters

Yarn is made from fibers – and fibers are sensitive. The wrong water temperature or detergent can cause shrinking, felting or fading. Especially natural fibers like wool or linen need special care. But even cotton and blends benefit from gentle treatment. With a few simple rules, your project will stay in shape and color for a long time to come.

📋 Yarn Care Cheat Sheet

1. Wool:

Washing Temp.: Cold to max. 30 °C
Detergent: Wool detergent, no softener
Drying: Lay flat, no tumble dryer
Blocking: Wet blocking recommended

2. Cotton:

Washing Temp.: 30–60 °C
Detergent: Mild detergent
Drying: Machine or flat drying
Blocking: Often not needed

3. Linen:

Washing Temp.: 30–40 °C
Detergent: Mild detergent
Drying: Air dry, do not wring
Blocking: Steam or damp block

4. Blends:

Washing Temp.: max. 40 °C
Detergent: Depends on fiber content
Drying: Follow label instructions
Blocking: Optional

📌 Pro tip: Always check the yarn label – especially for blends!

🔄 What's blocking – and do I need it?

Blocking makes a real difference – especially for lace patterns, shawls or natural-fiber garments. After washing, the piece is gently shaped and pinned to dry. This helps enhance stitch definition, even out the fabric and improve fit. Wool in particular loves a good wet block on a soft surface.

💡 Extra care tips

🧺 Use a laundry bag for delicate yarns.

🚫 Avoid fabric softener for natural fibers – it weakens the fiber structure.

🌞 Keep away from direct sunlight – UV light fades color.

🧯 Treat stains immediately – they get harder to remove over time.

📌 My Conclusion

Whether you're working with soft wool, crisp linen or sturdy cotton – knowing how to care for your yarn makes all the difference. After all, every handmade piece carries your time, effort and love. 💛 Let's keep them beautiful!

🔍 Ever accidentally felted a project? Or unsure how to wash that cotton top?

Join the discussion in my Facebook group – we're sharing all kinds of care tips there!

💬 Need help with your yarn care routine? Message me – I'm happy to help!

#strickenimtrend #maschenmitliebe #yarncare #knittingtips #woolwashing

Wooly wishes,
Your Kathrin ☀️🧶